[CT findings in isolated laryngeal trauma].

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this article is a retrospective analysis of cases with suspected laryngeal trauma. The clinical importance, possibilities and limits of computertomographic diagnostics in laryngeal trauma are discussed.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2003 we performed high resolution computed tomography (CT) in 7 patients after an isolated laryngeal trauma with a standardized examination protocol.

RESULTS

Following CT findings we made: one fracture of the thyroid cartilage, two fractures of the cricoids cartilage, one luxation of the arytenoids cartilage and four extensive soft tissue swelling of the larynx. One of the patients showed no lesions on CT. In another patient we found an intensive increase of density of arytenoids cartilage as sign of an arytenoids necrosis.

CONCLUSION

High resolution spiral computed tomography is the method of choice to detect or exclude laryngeal fractures after an isolated neck trauma. Special parameters are necessary for detection of subtle pathological findings. In the estimation of mucosal or vocal cord changes the CT is inferior to endoscopy.